WHAT EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW
The following information was obtained from a past issue of the Edmonton Journal. I felt it would be valuable information to pass along to your children.
Missing Children Society of Canada has 10 Street proofing tips for Kids:
- Know your name, address, phone number, area code and postal code.
- Avoid taking shortcuts or playing in isolated areas.
- Don’t talk to strangers. A stranger can be anyone you don’t know or don’t know well. Strangers can be male or female, young or old and can dress poorly or nicely.
- Create a password with your parents. Never go with a stranger who says he is acting on your parents’ behalf if he doesn’t know the password.
- When you’re home alone, don’t answer the phone or the door. Never say you’re home alone.
- If you get lost in a shopping mall, go to the nearest store clerk, who will help you.
- It is OK to say No to an adult. Trust your instincts.
- Always tell your parents where you are going. Parents should know who your friends are.
- Adults do not ask children for directions or for help finding things. Do not go with them.
- Talk to your parents, or someone you trust like your teacher or a police officer about a stranger who concerns you. They will listen and help you.
The RCMP Missing Children’s Registry recognizes, but does not necessarily endorse, several child-find agencies. There are other agencies, some of which charge for their services, which RCMP does not recognize. At least one agency has been soliciting funds and telling potential donors they are associated with the RCMP when they are not.
Sgt. John Olivier, head of the RCMP registry, strongly recommends that people not give money until they have checked out the agency asking for donations and are satisfied of its legitimacy.
Ottawa Citizen